Electrical indicating apparatus.



PATENTED APR. 9, 1907.

A. A. RADTKB. ELECTRICAL INDIGATING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED 00T. 2.3. 1905.

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ALBERT A. RADTKE, or ciii'ciieo, ILLINOIS.

ELEGTRECAL INDICATING APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented April 9, 1907.

Application iiled October 23, 1905. Serial No. 283,891.

To LZZ whom, it may concern,.-

Be .it known that I, ALBERT A. RADTKE, a citizen of the United States,residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, haveinvented a certain new and useful Improvement in Electrical IndicatiiigApparatus, of which the following is a full, clear, concise, and exactdescription, reference being had to the accompanying draw-- ings,forming a part of this specification.

My invention relates to electrical indicating apparatus, and whileuseful for many purposes may be advantageously employed to indicate theposition of what is known as an end-cell switch, `and I shall thereforedescribe my invention in this association.

The object of the invention, briefly stated, is to provide a simple andefficient means whereby the position and movements of an electricalswitching device may be indicated at a distance, and this, too, by theemployment of a minimum number of circuits.

The advantage of the indicator of my invention over those of the priorart may be illustrated in connection with indicators which haveheretofore been used in the o peration of storage batteries.

As is well known in the art, it is generally desirable to locate astorage battery at a considerable distance from the switchboard which isused to control the electrical system associated with the storagebattery. Nhen storage batteries are used inconnection withelectrical-distribution systems, it is customary to arrange them so asto float on the system. By varying the number of cells connected acrossthe distributing-mains it is possible tc charge or discharge the batteryat will, and in regulating the number of cells connected across thesystem the end-cell switch is employed. It has heretofore been thepractice to mechanically connect an auxiliary switch-arm with the mainmember of an end-cell switch, so that the movements of the main switchand the auxiliary switch shall be alike. Then for each contact of themain switch there is an auxiliary contact connected with a circuitleading from the end-cell switch to the switchboard, and at theswitchboard each circuit is connected through a self-restoringannunciator-drop. The auxiliary switch serves to close a circuit throughone drop at a time, and the drop which is thrown thus serves to indicatethe position of the main switch. One of the principal objections to thisform of an indicating device is the multiplicity of circuits which it isnecessary to run between the end-cell switch and the switchboard wherethe drops are located. Furthermore, the duplication of the drops foreach contact of the end-cell switch involves a very considerableexpense. My invention, by means of which these objections are overcome,will be clearly understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich- Figure l is a diagrammatic view of the apparatus employed, andFig. 2 is a cross-sectional view or' the indicator proper.

Similar reference characters are applied to like parts in both figures.

In Fig. l the end cells of a storage battery are shown at a a. Each cellis connected with one of the main contacts F F of the end-cell switch,the contacts being numbered consecutively. The main switch-blade l)serves to connect the numbered contacts with a bus-bar c, the bus-barbeing connected with the distribution system by means of the lead d. Thepositive terminal of the storage battery is not shown but this also maybe assumed to be connected by a similar lead with the other side of thesystem. In accordance with my invention a second bus-bar e is arrangedfor connection with the contacts ff, which are numbered to correspondwith the main contacts of the end-cell switch. This connection isestablished by means of the auxiliary switchblade g, which ismechanically connected with the main switch-blade b by means of the barof insulating material h.

The construction of the indicator shown in the upper part of Fig. l andin Fig. 2 is as follows: A disk K is rotatably mounted by means of thepivoted shaft The disk K is of brass or other non-magnetic material,except for the sector IC, which. is of iron. Arranged around the diskthere are three electromagnets Z, m, and o. The pole-pieces p of thesemagnets are arranged as shown, so that the energization of any of theelectromagiiets by means of current traversing its coils g g will causethe attraction of the iron sector of the disk, Vthus causing the disk toswing into such a position that the iron sector will occupy the spacebetween the pole-pieces of the energized magnet. The shaft is providedIOO IOS

with a small pinion 1^, meshing with the gear s, which is rotatablymounted with the sl ral't t. The pointer u is also mounted upon thisshalt. A dial is mounted below the pointer, so that the position of thepointer will be indicated by the numerals V upon the dial.

The operation of the device may be described as follows: Assuming theend-cell switch. to occupy the position shown, where the blade bconnects contact 4 with the busbar c, the auxiliary switch-blade g willoccupy a corresponding position upon the auxiliary series otswitch-contacts connecting the bus-bar e with the auxiliary contact 4.Current, therefore, may be traced 'from the positive lead w through thebus-bar e, the auxiliary switch-blade g, auxiliary contact 4, and thencethrough the wire 2O to the electromagnet m, and after passing throughits coil thence by way of the wire 2] to the negative lead Currenttraversing the electromagnet m will cause its energization, thus causingthe attraction ol" the iron sector K into a position between the polesof the magnet m. The adjustment of the gearing is such that the pointeru will at this time point to the numeral 4 upon the dial, thusindicating the position of the end-cell switch in connection with maincontact 4. The movement of the end-cell switch to the right will causethe connection of the switch-blade b with the main contact 5 and at thesame time cause the connection of the auxiliary switch-blade g with theauxiliary contact 5, thus completing a circuit by way of the wire 22through the electromagnet o and thence by way of the wire 21 to thenegative lead et', whereupon the energization of the eleetromagnet 0will cause the attraction of the iron sector K ol the disk into aposition between the pole-pieces olt the magnet o, and thereby rotatingthe disk, which in turn will cause a rotation el' the pointer into aposition so as to indicate the numeral "5 upon the dial. The switch-blade g is preferably made wide enough to span the space between two el" theauxiliary contacts, so that in passing from one contact to anothercircuit is closed through one magnet before it is broken throughanother, the result being to cause the sector K to occupy anintermediate position between the two energized magnets, causing acorresponding movement and position of the pointer. This is an importantrequirement in an end-cell switch indicator, because it is essential toknow at the switchboard when a cell is shortcircuited by the end-cellswitch. I may call attent-ion to the di'tliculties which would arise ifit were not Yfor the closure of circuit through one of the magnetsbefore the circuit through another magnet was opened. Thus, for example,if' one electromagnet is deenergized before the circuit is closedthrough the next there will be intervals in which the sector K will befree Vfrom all magnetic attraction, and its liree movement, due tomomentum, will very readily throw the pointer out of step with respectto the switch. For example, a movement of the end-cell switch in onedirection, and consequently a corresponding movement et the auxiliaryswitch with a sudden stop between two cl" the said contacts, would startthe armature and pointer of the indicator in rotation, and upon thesudden deenergization of all the electromagnets, when the switch isstopped between the contacts, this rotation would be indefinitelycontinued. Se, also, in the movement ot the switch-blades a momentaryclosure of the circuit through one of the electromagnets might'frequently occur, andthe consequent sudden energization ol" one of tlaeelectromagnets when no other was energized would give to the armature animpulse likely to throw it out of step with the switch-blade; but inaccordance with my inv ention the closure of the circuit through oneelectromagnet before the circuit is broken through another assures aconstant magnetic control of the armature ot the indicator, thusmaintaining the pointer in step with the end-cell switch at all times.in like manner the movement of the switch into a position in connectionwith the contact 6 will cause the energization of the electromagnet Z byway of the wire 23, thus causing the attraction of the iron sector Kinto a position between pole-pieces ol the magnet l and causing theindication et die position of the end-cell switch upon the dial of theindicator.

lt will be noted that only three wires are run from the auxiliarycontacts to the electromagnets of the indicator and that each of thethree wires is connected with every third one ci' the auxiliarycontacts. As the auxiliary switch-blade g is moved over the auxiliarycontacts the disk will he caused to rotate in one direction or theother, depending upon the direction of the movement et the end-cellswitch, and will come to rest in a position corresponding with theposition in which the movement et the end-cell switch stopped. rlliepointer above the dial, theretore, which may be located at theswitchboard, serves at all times to indicate the position or movementset the end-cell switch. lt will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat more than three clectromagnets may be arranged around the disk orother moving armature ol iron, if so desired but since threeelectremagnets and three wires are sullirient for carrying out myinvention l prefer not to multiply the number.

While l have illustrated and described my invention in `connection withthe end-cell switch of a storage battery, and which, by the way, may beactuated either mamially or automatically, it is apparent that mvinvention may be used for a great variety tfl purposes 1n which it isdesired to indicate at a TIO distance the movements or position of anypart. Furthermore, I do not wish to limit myself to the precisearrangements herein set forth and described; but

Having illustrated one modification of my invention, I claim as new anddesire to secure by Letters Patent- 1. In a device of the classdescribed the combination of a rotatably-mounted armature magneticallyunsymmetrical with reference to the axis of rotation, a plurality ofelectromagnets arranged around the axis of rotation of said armature, aseries of insulated vswitch contacts, each electromagnet being connectedto periodically-recurring contacts of said series, and a relativelymovable switch member cooperating with said contacts to close anelectric circuit through said magnets in succession upon the relativemovement of the switch member, said switch member serving in itsmovement to close circuit through one electromagnet before openingcircuit through another, there being a magnetic pole induced in saidarmature to correspond with each and every effective magnetic pole ofsaid electromagnetic system.

2. In a device of the class described the combination of arotatably-mounted armature magnetically unsymmetrical with reference tothe axis of rotation, aplurality of electromagnets arranged around theaxis of rotation of said armature, the armature being subject tomagnetic attraction by said electromagnets by means of a magnetic poleinduced in said armature to correspond with each and every eifectivemagnetic pole of said electromagnetic system, a series ofswitch-contacts of which periodically-recurring contacts are connectedwith each of said electromagnets, a source of current for energizingsaid electromagnets, a switch-arm cooperating with said contacts toclose electric circuits through said electromagnets, the width of saidarm being sufficient to span the space between adjacent contacts, and anindicator controlled by the rotation of said armature.

3. In a device of the class described the combination of arotatably-mounted armature magnetically unsymmetrical with reference toits axis of rotation, three electromagnets arranged around the axis ofthe armature, said armature being subject to magnetic attraction by saidelectromagnets by virtue of a magnetic pole induced in said armature tocorrespond with each and every effective' magnetic pole in saidelectromagnets, a series of electrical contacts, each electromagnetbeing connected to periodically-recurring contacts of said series, amovable member, the position of which is to be indicated, and aswitch-blade mechanically connected with said movable member andcooperating with said contacts to control the flow of current axis ofrotation, three electromagnets equidistantly spaced around the axis ofrotation of said armature and each adapted upon energization to attractmagnetically the associated armature by virtue of a magnetic poleinduced in said armature to correspond with the attracting-pole of eachof the energized electromagnets, a series of switch-contacts, anelectrical connection between each electromagnet and every third contactof said series, a movable member the position of which is to beindicated, a switch-blade mechanically connected with said movablemember and electrically associated with said contacts, said switch-bladehaving a width sufficient to span the space between adjacent contacts,and an indicating-pointer geared to said armature to indicate the degreeof rotation thereof.

5. In combinationJ a storage battery, a movable'end-cell switch forconnecting the end cells of said battery in an electrical circuit, arotatably-mounted armature magnetically unsymmetrical with reference toits axis of rotation, a plurality of electromagnets arranged to actuatesaid armature, a series of insulated switch-contacts, each electromagnetbeing connected to periodically-recurring contacts of said series, arelatively movable switch member mechanically connected with saidmovable end-cell switch and cooperating with said contacts to closeelectrical circuits through said magnets in succession upon the relativemovement of said switch member, said switch member serving in itsvmovements to close a circuit through one electro-y magnet before openingthe circuit through another.

6. In combination, a storage battery, a series of main contactsconnected with end cells of said battery, a main switch-blade coperatingwith said main contacts to connect a greater or less number ofthe cellsof said battery in circuit, a series of auxiliary switchcontacts, anauxiliary` switch-blade mechanically connected with said mainswitch-blade whereby the movements of one will be accompanied by similarmovements of the other, a rotatably-mounted non-polarized armaturemagnetically unsymmetrical with reference to the axis of rotation, threeelectromagnets equidistantly spaced from one another around the axis ofrotation of said armature and adapted to act magnetically upon saidarmature, an electrical circuit connecting each electromagnet with everythird contact of the auxiliary series, the auxiliary switch-bladeserving in conjunction with said roo IIO

auxiliary contacts to control the flow olt current through saidelectromagnets, an indicating-dial, and a pointer associated with saiddial and geared to the rotatable armature.

7. in a device of tlze class described, the combination ot arotatably-n'iounted armature magnetically unsymmetrical with rel'erenceto its axis o'lI rotation, a plurality ot electroinagnets arrangedaround the axis et rotation ot said armature, a series of insulatedswitch-contacts, said electromagnets being suitably connected with saidcontacts, and a relatively movable switch member actuated with saidcontacts to close an electrical circuit through said magnets insuccession upon the relative movement of said switch member, themovement ot said arinature being entirely independent et polarityrelations between said armature and magnets.

S. ln a device et the class described, the combination olE arotatably-mounted armature magnetically unsymmetrical with relierence toits axis ol" rotation, a plurality et electromagnets arranged about thearmature, a series et insulated. switch-contacts, each electromagnetbeing connected to periodicallyrecurring contacts olI said series, and arelatively movable switeh member actuated with said contacts to close anelectric circuit through said magnets in succession on the relativemovement ot said switch member, the movement et said armature beingentirely independent ot polarity relations between said armature andelectromagnets.

9. ln a device olE the class described, the combination with arotatably-mounted armature, of a plurality ot' electromagnets a rangedaround the axis ot rotation ot said armature, a series ot insulatedswitch-contacts, each electromagnet being connected toperiodically-recurring contacts o'l said series, and a relativelymovable switch member associated with said contacts and adapted uponactuation to close an electric circuit through said magnets insuccession, said switch member serving in its movement to close circuitthrough one electromagnet before opening circuit through another, saidarmature being unsymmetrical with reference to the axis et rotation andadapted to assume a di'll'erent position corresponding with theindependent energization of each electromagnet and an eq ual number etother positions corresponding with t-hc simultaneous energization oi anytwo oi said electromagnets.

l0. In a device et the class described the combination with a pluralityol electromagnetic coils, of switching mechanism adapted to maintain anenergization of. said coils while causing a change in the energizationof said coils, and a rotatably-mounted nonpolarized armature subject tothe magnetic influence ot said coils, said armature having but oneposition et stable equilibrium due to any given energization ot saidcoils.

aliases l1. In a device ot the class described, the combination with astorage battery, ol" a series ot main contacts connected with end cellsol said battery, a main switch-blade cooi'ierating with said maincontacts to connect a greater or less number olE said batteries incircuit, a series ol auxiliary contacts, an auxiliary switch-blademechanically connected with said main switch-blades, whereby themovements olA one will be accompanied by the movements oll the other,three electromagnets, eduidistantly spaced around the circumference of acircle, an electrical circuit connecting each electromagnet with everythird contact et the auxiliary series, the auxiliary switch-bladeserving in conjunction with said auxiliary contacts to control the llowolt current through said electromagnets, and in its movement to closethe circuit through` one electromagnet before opening the circuitthrough another, a rotatablymounted, unpolarized armature magneticallyunsymmetrical with the axis ol.E rotation and adapted to assumedistinctive positions indicative ol the independent energization of anyol said electromagnets er the simultaneous energization of' any two etthem, an indicating-dial and a pointer associated with said dial, andgeared to the rotatable armature.

12. ln combination a storage battery, a series ot main contactsconnected with end cells et said battery, a main switch-bladecooperating with said main contacts to connect a greater or less numberot the cells ol` said battery in circuit, aseries oit auxiliaryswitchcontacts, an auxiliary switch-blade mechanically connected withsaid main switch-blade whereby the movements ot one will be accompaniedby similar movements ot the other, a rotatably-mounted non-polarizedarmature magnetically unsymmetrical with reference to the axis otrotation, three electromagnets equidistantly spaced trom one anotheraround the axis ot rotation ot said armature and adapted to actmagnetically upon said armature by virtue oli a magnetic pole induced insaid armature to correspond with each attracting magnetic pole which maybe caused by the energization at any one time of said electromagnets,an. electrical circuit connecting each electromagnet with every thirdcontact ot the auxiliary series, the auxiliary switch-blade serving in.connection with said auxiliary contacts to control the llow ciV currentthrough said electromagnets, an indicating-dial and a pointer connectedto said dial and geared to the rotatable armature.

13. In a device ot the class described the combination ot arotatalily-mounted armature magnetically unsymmetrical with reterence toits axis oli rotation, a plurality ol electromagnets arranged around theaxis ol" rotation of said armature, and serving when energized toattract said armature by virtue IIO of a pole induced in said armatureto corremy name this 20th day of October,v A. D. spond with each andevery magnetic pole 1905. simultaneously produced by the energizetion ofsaid electromagnets, and switching` mechanism serving to energize seidelectro- Witnesses: magnets in succession. GEORGE E. HIGHAM,

In Witness whereof I hereunto subscribe ARTHUR H. BOETTCHER.

ALBERT A. RADTKE.

